Benefits to Trinidad

Project Purpose and Need: Interstate 25 is the major roadway facility through the City of Trinidad providing access south to Albuquerque, NM and north to Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver, CO. The purpose of the I-25 reconstruction project was to replace the aging infrastructure through Trinidad and to provide a safe transportation system with acceptable access to and from the City. The need of this project arose out of several identified design deficiencies that resulted in unsafe conditions for the traveling public. Design deficiencies included inadequate stopping sight distance at various locations along the highway, deficient horizontal and vertical alignments with respect to current vehicle design speeds, inadequate interchange spacing and unsafe ramp geometry.

I-25 Trinidad Project Receives American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Funds In February 2009 the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 was signed. CDOT received approximately $330 million in federal highway funding from the stimulus package and a portion of the ARRA funding was assigned to the I-25 through Trinidad Reconstruction project. ... (click to read more)

Benefits of this project to the City of Trinidad were many. Along with the new infrastructure being designed/constructed to the latest geometric and safety standards, the new facility incorporates aesthetic features that tie into the City’s historical architecture and natural surroundings. The City’s famous bricks and the use of arches prevalent in the City’s architecture were incorporated into the design of the replacement viaducts; and final colors of the bridges, viaducts and retaining walls matched the surrounding stone bluffs.

Other benefits to the City as a result of the I-25 reconstruction project included upgrades to the Purgatoire River Park, extension of the Purgatoire River Trail, a new parking lot located under the viaducts, a new AMTRAK shelter, and safety upgrades for City streets at several railroad crossings.

Local Trinidad contractors and suppliers at work: Portland Cement Concrete Paving placed by Lawrence Construction and curb and gutter placed by Triple G Construction on Commercial Street. Both local concrete suppliers, Valco Inc. and Leone Redi-Mix supplied concrete for the project. See also: Progress Photos

Economic Benefits: The presence of the CDOT I-25 Reconstruction Project in Trinidad resulted in economic benefits to the city. There was an extensive small business outreach to create awareness of the contracting process.

Assistance in obtaining DBE and ESB Certification:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Emerging Small Businesses (ESBs) were encouraged to become certified and were assisted with the application and certification process. In addition to one-on-one outreach, several seminars were held by CDOT to present the DBE and ESB certification process. This extensive and unique outreach program was awarded the Governor's Star Award for most creative and innovative project. Assistance with certification was continued throughout the life of the project.

Marketing Seminars:
Marketing Seminars were held free-of-charge to provide information and tips on how to effectively network, the importance of business cards, company brochures, messaging, and how to approach a prime contractor to be included in the proposal.

Road Construction Technology Program:
Trinidad State Junior College received funding for the Road Construction Technology Program. This program prepares the student for a broad range of technical skills applicable to many positions within the road construction industry. The students learn basic interviewing techniques, conflict resolution, how to interpret and use blueprints and drawings, heavy equipment operation, basic safety, basic math, introduction to hand and power tools, flagging and many other skills.

Job Fairs:
Colorado Workforce Center along with Lawrence Construction held a job fair (Feb 8, 2007). Over 100 people attended.

At the pre-bid meeting for the construction contract, a mandatory small business networking session was held. The prime contractors who intended to bid on the project were required to stay for a meet and greet session with local businesses. As a result, several small businesses from Trinidad and the outlying areas have been included on the project.

General Growth for Trinidad Businesses:
Small businesses have received contracts through the prime contractor.

Local businesses were asked to provide information as to any increase in business they experienced. For example, this included the increase in night stays at hotels, motels and apartment complexes by construction workers.

The project also included media placements, ads, columns and inserts.

Benefits of SCCOG Transit Center Under Viaduct Parking Lots: South Central Council of Governments constructed a multimodal transit center located in historic downtown Trinidad. The

SCCOG Transit Center

transit center provides connections for Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, Greyhound, and other inter-city bus services, and SCCOG transit to connect transit within the region. The transit center is located within walking distance of retail shops and restaurants, and parallel to an off-ramp of Interstate 25, making it extremely accessible. Center construction allows for continuation and expansion of transportation services, including rail, bus, and local intercity bus. The center provides park-and-ride facilities, parking for large buses and vans traveling into Trinidad and shuttle service for passengers to hotels and other destinations.

Project: South Central COG Transit Center (Bus and Bus Livability)
Sponsor: Colorado Department of Transportation/South Central Council of Governments (SCCOG)